Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness

Fostering A Better Understanding of Disabilities for Youth

Children are impressionable. By modeling appropriate behaviors, they can better learn how to appropriately interact with and treat others. These can be meaningful qualities when interacting with members of the disabled community.

Health and Wellness

The Mind and Body Benefits of Eating Outside

There are a myriad of physical and mental health benefits associated with eating outdoors. Here is how getting into the habit of eating outside here and there can improve your health.

Health and Wellness

Health Benefits of Yoga

Research shows that regularly practicing yoga can benefit our health. Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your physical and mental health in a myriad of ways.

Health and Wellness

The Benefits of Boredom

Games and social media apps, music streaming services and an endless supply of podcasts make it easy to avoid being bored. But do you ever have good ideas for a work or home project when you are in the shower or on a walk?

Health and Wellness

Post-weaning Depression: What I Didn’t Know About Quitting Breastfeeding

It had never crossed my mind that quitting breastfeeding could cause such a visceral reaction, so when I started experiencing these symptoms, I had no idea what was going on. I wanted to share my experience because it’s something nobody ever told me.

Health and Wellness

The Pressure of Social Media on Young Men

A trend known as "looksmaxxing" and the social media activity surrounding it can create unreasonable expectations and pressure to fit in with new male beauty standards.

Health and Wellness

Why You Should Eat More Flavonoids

A study found those who ate more flavonoids, a plant chemical in many fruits and vegetables, aged better than those who had a lower flavonoid intake. Let’s look at flavonoids, associated health outcomes and how to add more flavonoids to your diet.

Health and Wellness

Summer Activities for Kids with Learning Disabilities

For many families, summer is a time of relaxation and freedom from the rigid structure of the school year. But for children with learning disabilities, that freedom can lead to frustration or lost progress if not balanced with thoughtful structure and purposeful activities.

Health and Wellness

What is a Color Walk?

A color walk is a type of walking meditation in which you pick a color and search for items in various shades. This kind of walk combines exercise with meditation.

Health and Wellness

The Science Behind the Perfect Workout Playlist

Upbeat music can make exercise feel easier, and the right collection of songs can put you in the zone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are building a workout playlist.

Health and Wellness

Becoming a Mom Made Me Realize How Precious Life Is

Mental health and suicide awareness have always been important causes to me, but becoming a new mom has given new meaning to how precious life is. Now I know firsthand what goes into bringing a new life into the world.

Health and Wellness

The Importance of Weight Training for Seniors

As you get older, your approach to exercise needs to shift. Strength training isn’t only for athletes, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay strong, steady and independent in your golden years.

Health and Wellness

Is Dried Fruit Healthy?

When it comes to convenient snacks, dried fruit has been a staple for centuries. While dried fruit has its benefits, there are some health considerations to keep in mind.

Health and Wellness

How Roller Coasters Affect Your Body

Roller coasters are a favorite among thrill-seekers. Learn how the loops, launches and drops affect our bodies.

Health and Wellness

Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Teens and How to Build it Back Up

It's not always easy for parents to get their teenagers to open up to them about how they are feeling. But if you feel like your child's self-esteem is low, here are some tips and conversation starters.

Health and Wellness

Is Ice Helpful or Harmful in Treating Injuries?

Growing evidence suggests ice may not always be the best remedy for certain injuries. Let’s take a look at icing and when and how you should apply it.

Health and Wellness

What is the Healthiest Way to Cook Steak, Rare or Well-Done?

Is medium rare steak healthier than well-done steak? Or is it the other way around? As grilling season ramps up, check out the answers to these questions.

Steak on the grill
Health and Wellness

Eat Foods that Satisfy You Instead of Following Fads

Despite the popularity of social media food trends, living a healthy life isn’t something you can hack your way to achieving. Learn about satisfying foods to add to your meals and snacks and why viral trends are risky.

Health and Wellness

Is it Safe to Take Ibuprofen Before Working Out?

If you’re feeling sore or battling an illness but still want to power through a workout, you may consider a dose of NSAIDs before exercising. Here's why that might not be a wise idea.

Health and Wellness

What to Know About Prenatal Depression

It can be difficult to identify prenatal depression because some women may chalk up signs of depression to the normal ups and downs of pregnancy. Here's what you need to know abut the condition.

Health and Wellness

How to Stop Stress Eating

If you’ve ever reached for a sugary snack or salty treat after a long, stressful day, you’re not alone. Stress eating is a common way people cope, but it can lead to unwanted habits and health concerns.

Health and Wellness

Allergies, Exercise and Asthma: How Are They Related?

Let’s look at the relationship between allergies, asthma and exercise and how to manage the conditions.

Health and Wellness

Navigating Mother’s Day Celebrations When It’s Hard

Have self-compassion and don’t feel like you need to enjoy or recognize Mother's Day. Allow yourself to feel the emotions you have rather than pressuring yourself to feel happy or joyful.

Health and Wellness

Does Protein Promote Healthy Aging?

High-protein diets have recently gained popularity for their ability to support the aging process. While often associated with fitness or muscle-building, protein plays a much bigger role in our overall health. And for older adults especially, it can be a key factor in preserving strength, independence and vitality.

Health and Wellness

5 Tips to Avoid Alcohol in Social Settings

Sidestepping alcohol at social events when you're trying to avoid drinking can be difficult. Consider reading these tips on how to stay sober in social settings and apply the ones that might work for you.

Health and Wellness

How I Practice Self-Compassion After Making a Mistake

Since I have generalized anxiety disorder, I usually spiral after I make a mistake. One thing I try to do when I'm feeling this way is remind myself that these everyday mishaps happen to the best of us. 

Health and Wellness

Ways to Reduce Ultra-Processed and Processed Foods in Your Diet 

In a world filled with new diet trends and wellness hacks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Reducing the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding what “processed” really means and why it matters can help you make simple changes that leave you feeling more energized and nourished.

Health and Wellness

What is Phone Hand or Text Claw?

If your smartphone never leaves your hand, you’re not alone. As much as smartphones have made lives more convenient, there’s a downside that’s becoming more common: hand and finger pain. You may have heard terms like “text claw” or “cell phone hand” tossed around to describe it.

Health and Wellness

The Importance of Masks and Eyewear Ahead of Spring Sports Season

Whether they’re playing recreationally with friends on the playground or in an organized league at school, the safety provided by masks and eyewear should be a top priority for kids this spring.

Health and Wellness

What is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow has been all over social media this year, with many users raving about its effectiveness as a cooking oil and a skin moisturizer. Is this just another viral wellness myth or is there some truth to these claims?

Health and Wellness

Autism and Food Aversions: Tips for Parents with Picky Eaters

Autism Acceptance Month in April can be a time to learn more about the connection between selective eating and autism. Here are eight tips parents can try to help their kids become less selective.

Health and Wellness

Should You Be Concerned About Cortisol?

Trends and posts on social media blame cortisol for a host of problems, including fatigue and puffy faces, and promote diets and wellness drinks to lower your levels. But is this necessary and healthy? Let’s take a look at what cortisol is, when it is unhealthy and what you should focus on when it comes to health and stress.

Health and Wellness

Navigating Tough Teenage Conversations About Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug that can have dangerous health consequences for everyone, especially on teens whose brains are not fully developed. One of the best ways to combat underage drinking is a strong parent-child relationship.

Health and Wellness

Driving Distractions You Should Curb

Whether a person takes their eyes off the road, removes their hands from the steering wheel or doesn’t pay attention, distracted driving is a danger to everyone on the road. 

Health and Wellness

Here is What I Did When Life Felt Pointless

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how she managed her feelings when life felt pointless—and how she got help.

Monica Drake
Health and Wellness

Why Is the First Five Minutes of a Workout So Hard? 

There’s a science behind what the first five minutes of exercise does to your body. Don’t let it deter you from a great workout.

Young woman plays on her smartphone on a yoga mat indoors
Health and Wellness

Is Your Morning Coffee Good for Your Health?

Your cup coffee has many different benefits, according to a new study. Here’s a look at the health benefits of morning coffee.

Health and Wellness

How Much Do You Need to Exercise to Offset Sitting?

Are you seated a lot for work, or do you watch a lot of TV and play video games in your free time? Exercise can help reverse the harmful effects of prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.

Health and Wellness

Is Walking Enough Exercise for Seniors?

Walking is extremely beneficial, but it may be enough exercise if you are an adult age 65 or older. Moderate to vigorous exercise is important to maintain a level of health and fitness.

Health and Wellness

What is Functional Water?

You may have seen functional water in health stores and grocery chains, boasting claims of antioxidant powers, extra hydrogen, alkaline qualities, protein and more. But what exactly is functional water and why is it gaining popularity?

Health and Wellness

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?  

Research has found laughter to be beneficial to our health in both the short-term and the long-term. From releasing endorphins to increasing your body's concentration of oxygen, laughter does plenty good for the body and mind.

A Black couple sits at a table outside laughing together at a phone they are holding.
Health and Wellness

Why You Should Wait a Few Hours Before That Morning Cup of Coffee

Coffee might be the first thing you reach for when you wake up. However, it might be better to wait a while. Let’s look at the reasons why and when it may be better to enjoy your morning cup.

Health and Wellness

What is Pebbling?

Pebbling is the practice of sending these memes, or “pebbles,” as an appreciation practice for couples, friends and family. The term comes from the behavior of Gentoo penguins, who present rocks to other penguins they are bonding with to use in nesting.

Health and Wellness

Does Okra Water Have Health Benefits?

Okra water is a drink made by soaking okra pods in water for up to 24 hours. The drink is trending for its thought to offer health benefits like reducing blood sugar levels, supporting weight loss and improving digestion. While some research supports the health benefits of the okra plant, research specifically on okra water is lacking.

Health and Wellness

How I Coped With Grief After My Pet’s Death

Most pet owners will have to face the reality of saying goodbye to them in their lifetime. Here is how I coped with the grief after losing my beloved cat, Katniss.

Health and Wellness

How to Practice Gratitude and 5 Ways to Practice

Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Gratitude is a transformative process that when practiced consistently, may improve various aspects of your life.

Health and Wellness

What’s in Your Food? Enriched Flour Tops List of Unhealthy Ingredients

Enriched flour is a processed food. Here's how it can affect blood sugar and which foods are commonly made with it.

Health and Wellness

How to Avoid Self-Sabotage

Self-sabotage is a typically unconscious effort to avoid failure or discomfort, causing us to act against our long-term goals. Unfortunately, this can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Health and Wellness

Are There Healthy and Unhealthy Salts?

The term “healthy salt” is a bit of an oxymoron. Here's everything you need to know about the nutritional differences between sea salt and table salt.

Health and Wellness

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

Between busy schedules and other daily chores, it’s easy to forget or put off changing your sheets as often as you should. Regularly washing your bed sheets is essential to maintain a clean and healthy sleeping environment.

Health and Wellness

When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?

It is helpful to know the typical timeline for baby teeth falling out and permanent teeth growing in to help your kids navigate this transition. While losing teeth is generally quick and painless, there is value in teaching your kids about the process to avoid unnecessary anxiety around the experience.

Health and Wellness

Diet Tweaks to Improve Sleep Quality

Want to get better, more consistent sleep? Improving sleep quality may be a few diet tweaks away. Here’s how food affects the sleep cycle, and which foods promote and disrupt a good night’s sleep.

Health and Wellness

What Meal Should be the Biggest of the Day?

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, which meal should be the heaviest? If you are trying to lose weight, what you eat and the amount is important, in addition to the timing. Read more about when you should eat your biggest meal.

Health and Wellness

How Rewatching Movies and TV Shows Helps Me Cope With My Anxiety

I've found that when I'm feeling depressed or particularly anxious, I will revert to that old childhood habit of watching movies and shows I've already seen. And, when I'm feeling like this, sometimes watching something new will actually make me feel worse. 

Health and Wellness

How Does Caffeine Affect the Body?

Caffeine is a stimulant that has wide-ranging effects on the body. You have to consider its impact on digestion, whether it dehydrates you and how it affects your heart before consuming unhealthy amounts of it.

Person Holding Coffee Cup Having Headache
Health and Wellness

What I’m Doing Instead of Drinking This St. Patrick’s Day

Mental health advocate and contributing writer Monica Drake shares why she decided not to drink this St. Patrick's Day. Here's how she plans to celebrate the Irish holiday without alcohol this year.

Health and Wellness

Should I Cold Plunge Before or After a Workout?

Cold plunges can be a complementary recovery method to vigorous exercise. But exactly when should you take the plunge? Here's what the research suggests.

Health and Wellness

The Benefits of Bone Broth

Bone broth may offer some health benefits such as supporting gut health and improving joint function. While it’s important to choose high-quality sources, incorporating bone broth into your diet could be a simple way to add a few extra nutrients to your wellness routine.

Health and Wellness

How I’ve Dealt with the Physical and Emotional Changes After Having a Baby

While I love my son and being a new mom, bawling my eyes out about once a day has put a damper on the whole experience. Here’s what I’ve done when I’ve struggled with my mental and physical health.

Health and Wellness

The Benefits of Keeping a Food Diary or Weight Loss Journal

It can be challenging to stay mindful of what you are eating on a regular basis. A food diary can be a useful tool because it can help you understand your eating habits and patterns.

Health and Wellness

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

When was the last time you got a new toothbrush or changed the head on your electric toothbrush? While you know toothbrushes don’t last forever, it can be difficult to determine when it’s time to replace them.

Health and Wellness

I Exercised Without Music for A Week: Here’s What I Learned

For as long as I can remember, music has been an essential part of my workout routine. I decided to put my reliance on music to the test and spent a week exercising in complete silence. The results surprised me.

Health and Wellness

Does Celtic Salt Have Benefits?

Celtic salt was one of 2024's big TikTok health "hacks." It does contain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, but does it contain enough of those minerals to make a difference?

Health and Wellness

Recreation Therapy Helps People with Disabilities Enjoy Adaptive Versions of Their Favorite Activities

Recreation therapy is a powerful, evidence-based way to empower individuals to live healthy, happy lives. Here are the adaptive recreational activities Disability Network Eastern Michigan organizes through its RecConnect program.

Health and Wellness

When Should Kids Start Using Toothpaste?

It’s never too soon to think about your child’s oral health, even from infancy. Practicing proper oral hygiene habits from a young age helps children develop a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. However, there are guidelines for age-appropriate habits.

Health and Wellness

5 Ways to Make Your Meals Heart Healthier

While genetic factors play a role in heart health, lifestyle choices—especially diet—are critical in managing risk. Heart-healthy eating can improve cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure.

Health and Wellness

A Parent’s Guide to ENT Concerns

Early detection of common ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems in children can ensure prompt intervention, which leads to effective treatment and healthy long-term outcomes. 

Health and Wellness

Most Common Causes of Cavities for Children

Nearly half of American children have had a cavity filled or are dealing with an untreated cavity. While brushing and flossing daily along with regular dental exams are the best preventive measures against cavity, it’s also important to understand how cavities form.

Health and Wellness

Tips for Exercising During Menopause

While about 75% of women experience menopause symptoms, which start at the average age of 51, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain health.

Health and Wellness

What is a Disney Rash?

A Disney Rash is formally known as exercise-induced vasculitis. It looks like a rash, but it’s really not. Learn more about what it is and how to treat it.

Health and Wellness

Are You Sensitive to Certain Noises? There’s a Name for That

The two primary sound sensitivity disorders are misophonia and hyperacusis. Misophonia causes emotional, physical or behavioral responses to triggering noises, while hyperacusis results in pain or discomfort from noises that are not loud but affect the individual as if they are loud or painful sounds.

Health and Wellness

How to Build Endurance on an Exercise Bike

Exercise bikes are handy in cases of inclement weather, in cold winter months or when you simply want to get a good workout in the comfort of your own home or at your gym, watching television or listening to a podcast. But are exercise bikes effective at building up physical fitness and endurance?

Health and Wellness

What is Silent Walking?

Silent walking is the idea of a focused, silent walk without listening to music, podcasts, conversation, or other activities often used during runs or walks. The goal of silent walking is to focus your mind and body on the walk, on the world around you, and to use the walk as a meditative experience.

Health and Wellness

How is Quality of Life Measured?

While it isn’t easy to define in a simple number, taking time to consider our satisfaction with our daily lives, relationships, health and environment can allow us to practice gratitude for what we have and make changes in other areas.

Health and Wellness

The Needle-Hater’s Guide to Donating Blood

Does your fear of needles keep you from donating blood? Check out these ways to combat your fear and save lives in the process.

Fear of Needles?
Health and Wellness

2025 Nutrition and Health Trends and Predictions

Expect high protein food products, foods that promote healthy aging and functional water to be among the trendiest food and beverage items of 2025.

Health and Wellness

Is Social Media Influencing Your Health Decisions?

While health content like recipes and workout inspiration can be helpful, it’s a good idea to be mindful of red flags when influencers push products or plans.

Health and Wellness

How to Present a Positive Self-Image While You Try to Lose Weight

Cultivating a positive sense of self while you work on weight loss is an important part of the process as poor body image is associated with anxiety and stress.

Health and Wellness

Processed Food vs. Ultra-processed Food

When it comes to food, “processed” and “ultra-processed” are not interchangeable terms. Products that are processed are also not inherently unhealthy. A better understanding of the difference between these terms may change your approach the next time you shop for groceries.

Health and Wellness

Cancer Ribbon Colors and Meanings

Awareness ribbons for different types of cancer are popular in America to show support and solidarity with those dealing with the issue. The cancer ribbons cover a range of colors, each connected to one of the more than 100 types of cancers.

Health and Wellness

How to Feel Connected to a Support System After the Holidays

The post-holiday blues, or a feeling or sadness or let down now that the holidays are over, can contribute to losing touch with loved ones. Here are ways to feel connected to your system after the holidays.

Health and Wellness

Are New Year’s Resolutions Bad?

Are there any benefits to making New Year’s resolutions, or do they set you up for disappointment and failure? Reframe your thinking around resolutions and new habits or lifestyle changes and you’ll likely see better results.

Health and Wellness

Give it a Rest: The Health Benefits of Doing Nothing 

Taking breaks to unplug and do nothing shouldn't be associated with laziness. Research shows that carving out time to do nothing here and there can be beneficial to the body and mind.

A woman lying in a hammock enjoying the health benefits of doing nothing
Health and Wellness

Proper Ways to Wash Produce

You need to make sure your produce is properly cleaned before you prepare it because it could harbor microbes that can make you ill. Let’s look at why we need to wash produce and how to wash different kinds.

Health and Wellness

How to Identify and Prevent Frostbite

The best way to manage frostbite is prevention. Learn more about how to identify the condition and how to prevent it.

Health and Wellness

The Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

Heading outside for exercise is a great way to improve your mental and physical health during the winter. One fun and healthy way the whole family can get winter exercise is cross-country skiing.

Health and Wellness

Social Media Can Put a Damper on Your Holiday Spirit

If scrolling and swiping makes you feel less than festive, don’t let social media put a damper on your holiday celebrations.

Health and Wellness

A Water Hater’s Guide to Drinking More Water

If you don’t enjoy the taste of water, you might find yourself turning to soda, juice, energy drinks and other beverages that contain a lot of added sugar. Here are some suggestions to increase your water intake.

Health and Wellness

Ways I Mentally Prepare and Cope with the Winter Semester

In my experience, the winter or spring semester of college is more challenging both mentally and physically than the fall. As I prepare for my last semester of school, here are some tips to finish strong.

Health and Wellness

Low Impact Winter Sports to Try

Many winter sports, such as skiing and hockey, are high-impact or contact sports that may not appeal to many athletes. Here are some low-impact winter sports and exercises to include in your cold weather exercise plans.

Health and Wellness

What You Need to Know Before Taking Collagen Powder

Collagen powder is a popular daily supplement, but is it right for you? As we age, we naturally start producing less collagen. They’re widely available – sold in capsules, powders, gummies, topical creams, coffee creamers and more. But do they work?

Health and Wellness

Choosing the Right Reusable Water Bottle for You

Filling a reusable bottle is a cheaper and healthier option than using plastic, disposable water bottles. With so many options in the market, you might be overwhelmed with where to begin.

Health and Wellness

What to Know About Wearable Weights

Wearable weights have been around for years, but they're enjoying a renaissance on social media. Here's what to know about ankle and wrist weights, as well as weighted vests, before you try them.

Health and Wellness

Are New Year’s Resolutions Bad?

Integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, business owner and NASM Master Trainer Angela T. Moore talks about the pros and cons of New Year's resolutions. Are they bad? The answer might surprise you.

Health and Wellness

8 Ways to Stop Holiday Stress Before It Starts

The holidays are as stressful as they are joyous. When it comes to shopping, traveling, decorating and family time, here are ways to mitigate the stress.

5 Ways to Stop Holiday Stress Before It Starts  
Health and Wellness

How to Clear Distractions While Driving

Each year, thousands of traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving and as recently as 2022, distracted driving caused more than 3,000 deaths. Even so, more than 45% of drivers have admitted to texting or reading their phone while driving, and even more eat, talk on the phone or reach around their car while driving.

Health and Wellness

Creative Ways to Get Exercise in the Colder Months

Whether it’s because of colder weather, schedule changes, travel or holiday celebrations, it can be harder to stay active during the winter. Colder weather especially may leave you wanting to stay curled up and indoors rather than exercising. Here are some creative ideas to still get out and get enough physical exercise during the colder winter months.

Health and Wellness

Tips for an Alcohol-Free Holiday Season

More than half of Americans drink more during the holiday season. For some, this increased alcohol intake results in hangovers or even missed work. For others, it interferes with their health goals and can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Health and Wellness

Getting Through the Holidays Without Family

Most people who spend the holidays alone feel more lonely than usual and may struggle to enjoy the festive time of year. Here are some tips on how to get through the holidays alone or without family around.

Health and Wellness

Practicing Body Neutrality During the Holiday Season

With body neutrality, you can let go of negative feelings about yourself and appreciate your body for what it can do. Learn more about body neutrality and how to practice it through the holiday season.

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